Editor’s Note:This is part seven of an eight part series giving analysis of each of the eight teams in the Big East Football Conference, proceeding alphabetically, but ending with Syracuse. Two new teams will be released each weekday for the next four days, leading up to the start of the Syracuse Football season. Feel free to use the comment section to supplement the facts and analysis presented, however the opinions will stand. Enjoy and I hope you are looking forward to the new Big East football season as much as I am. Part 6 can be found here.

West VirginiaPreview – West Virginia looks to replace the most successful player in program history in QB Pat White. The good news is that Coach Bill Stewart has the luxury of having the electric RB Noel Devine (206car, 1289yds, 6.3avg, 4 TD), who is more than capable of doing some damage on the football field. He is no Pat White however. Neither is 5th year senior QB Jarrett Brown, who will have to actually replace the position. He will be a fine replacement, but will not be anywhere near the threat Pat White was. The defense does return eight starters to the 11th best scoring defense in the nation however. Their trademark is pressure, and should get to several quarterbacks over the course of the year. While Devine will be solid, Brown has the biggest shoes to fill and will obviously not be the next Pat White. Do not expect the same amount of scoring from this WVU team as last season.

My Thoughts – This team will be good. Their defense will be stingy, Devine will earn a lot of yards, and they will win some games. They should compete for the top spot in the league, but I think they will just come up short again, possibly losing the Backyard Brawl again sadly. They will finish in the top three of the league however, which is better than most. Five other teams, as a matter of fact.

Will We Beat Them? – While the defense will not have to freak out over the running or passing ability of Pat White anymore, they will be too talented for Syracuse to handle. Although this game will be closer than years past, and should be more fun to watch, you will be annoyed when several fat and unwashed WVU fans gloat in your face in the Carrier Dome. At least you probably make more than they do, and clearly have better hygiene. I’ll see you at Faegan’s where I will not be burning furniture.